Blind Spots

One of the core lessons that new drivers learn is to check their blind spots before changing lines or executing turns. This same concept applies to the operation of large trucks, which have substantial blind spots. If a car is located within a truck’s blind spot, the passengers are subject to a severe risk of injury in the event the truck driver executes a sudden turn or lane change. This is especially true for smaller vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians or bicyclists. Greenville and Spartanburg truck accident lawyer Patrick E. Knie has advocated for the rights of victims in South Carolina who have been struck by a careless or poorly trained trucker.

The trucking industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country. This is because these large and heavy vehicles pose a serious threat to the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has conducted several programs and public service campaigns to promote the public’s awareness about the danger of driving in a truck’s blind spot. There are four prominent blind spots located on the typical 18-wheeler: immediately in front of the truck, underneath and next to the driver’s window, between the right side of the cab and the back of the trailer, and immediately behind the trailer. According to state and federal regulations, a truck driver is required to specifically check for these blind spots before initiating a lane change or turn. This may involve more than just looking in a rear or side view mirror, often requiring the driver to look over his or her shoulder.

If you have been hurt as a result of a trucking company’s or truck driver’s negligence, you usually can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation. This type of claim requires the plaintiff to show that the other party acted with negligence at the time of the collision. Trucking companies and their drivers have a duty to use reasonable care and skill when maintaining and operating commercial vehicles. This includes complying with training regulations that instruct drivers on how to check blind spots as well as ensuring that drivers are operating these trucks according to the training they received and in compliance with applicable safety regulations.

After showing that a driver acted negligently, the plaintiff must show that this negligence was the direct cause of his or her harm and provide evidence substantiating the forms of compensation that he or she is seeking in the lawsuit. Common categories of recoverable expenses include past and future medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. A victim also may be able to receive compensation for more subjective forms of harm, such as pain and suffering.

Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries, or even a tragic loss of life. While it may seem daunting to bring a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the responsible company or driver, compassionate Spartanburg and Greenville truck accident attorney Patrick E. Knie can help ease the burden of this process while navigating you through each step of the litigation. He represents people throughout Cherokee, Spartanburg, Laurens, Greenville, and Union Counties, and he offers a free consultation to discuss your potential claim and the remedies that may be available to you. Call us at (864) 582-5118 or contact us online to set up an appointment with a motor vehicle collision attorney.